The holidays are coming and I know that as much as I prepare, wrap, decorate, and cook, it will be far from perfect! I decorate a bit like my personality…a bit eclectic and simple. I love to cook and bake but I may have a few things that don’t turn out perfectly. I usually wrap gifts all at once in a hurry and don’t really care if they’re perfectly done. I’m just glad when they’re done.
To be honest, I’m far from having it all together at the holidays. But, I do pray. I pray a lot. I pray about our guests at the holiday, I pray that each guest feels loved and accepted. I pray that I’ll have a peaceful heart as I prepare the dishes. I pray that I can find gifts that truly make people feel special. I pray that God is glorified through all that is said and done.
Why do we stress out at the holidays? Why do we place expectations on ourselves that we can’t fulfill? I’m thankful that God doesn’t see things the way we do! He’s not focused on how perfect our homes look or how polished we look on the outside. And to be honest, I don’t think most people who come to our homes are either! People are longing for relationships, not perfection.
Not only do we seek approval through our holiday performance, but also in education, sports, finances, and our relationships. We are easily sucked into the need to gain, maintain AND achieve people’s approval. How in the world do we stop this crazy cycle?
Check out Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2:1-4 (NLT) “When I came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness- timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.”
I want to live like Paul lived. It’s an admonition for us all! He relied on the Holy Spirit to help him because as he admits, his message and preaching were very plain.
Hey Paul! I’ve got the same problem! I feel very plain…especially when it comes to making things look nice at the holidays. When I realize I don’t have to be enough or do enough, holiday preparations change for me! I already have God’s acceptance and favor. What can people’s acceptance add?
May you enjoy this holiday season and find joy in finding acceptance and favor in God.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galations 1:10
Why do we stress out at the holidays? Why do we place expectations on ourselves that we can’t fulfill? I’m thankful that God doesn’t see things the way we do! He’s not focused on how perfect our homes look or how polished we look on the outside. And to be honest, I don’t think most people who come to our homes are either! People are longing for relationships, not perfection.
Not only do we seek approval through our holiday performance, but also in education, sports, finances, and our relationships. We are easily sucked into the need to gain, maintain AND achieve people’s approval. How in the world do we stop this crazy cycle?
Check out Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2:1-4 (NLT) “When I came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness- timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.”
I want to live like Paul lived. It’s an admonition for us all! He relied on the Holy Spirit to help him because as he admits, his message and preaching were very plain.
Hey Paul! I’ve got the same problem! I feel very plain…especially when it comes to making things look nice at the holidays. When I realize I don’t have to be enough or do enough, holiday preparations change for me! I already have God’s acceptance and favor. What can people’s acceptance add?
May you enjoy this holiday season and find joy in finding acceptance and favor in God.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galations 1:10
Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTHS4W1bPj8
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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